Sports hotline: Friday, January 20, 2012

OLD FIRM fans seeking the wow factor from January transfer business have been left scratching their brows.

OLD FIRM fans seeking the wow factor from January transfer business have been left scratching their brows.

Swedish Under-21 international winger Mervan Celik is on the brink of joining Rangers, who also have Estonian full-back Enar Jaager on trial.

Celtic have landed Nigerian playmaker Rabiu Ibrahim while Polish stopper Jaroslaw Fojut has penned a pre-contract and will move to Parkhead in the summer.

But it seems both clubs have so far failed to capture the punters’ imagination.

Ronnie Knox, Tullibody
, said: “Walter Smith neglected the young guys at Ibrox and now Ally McCoist is doing exactly the same by bringing in these players.

“What is the purpose of Murray Park? It’s a disgrace McCoist is bringing in foreign players rather than giving young Scottish talent a chace.”

Derek Reid, Dollar
, said: “I have stood by Rangers owner Craig Whyte but if he doesn’t deliver his promises and sign a few quality players in the window, he will have used up his get-out-of-jail card.”

Gary McGuire, Stirling
, said: “I’m waiting for Celtic to sign somebody decent so we can go on and win this title.

“One top-class signing would kill off Rangers – does Neil Lennon not realise this? That is all we need to stick the knife in.”

On to other Old Firm gripes and Derek Whyte, Hamilton
, said: “I am sick of people saying teams lie down to Rangers.

“What utter rubbish. The likes of St Mirren, Motherwell, Dundee United, Aberdeen and Dunfermline never do anything against Celtic and we’ll see again what happens this weekend.”

Even the Celtic skipper can’t escape flak. Alex Cameron, Erskine
, said: “I find it unbelievable that Scott Brown is earning around £25,000 a week. I am 72 and he is one of the worst I’ve seen in a Celtic shirt.”

Claims that the SPL could punish Hearts’ late payment of wages by deducting points from the club has provoked fury.

Rob Hamilton, Glasgow
, said: “The players have stood by Hearts so it would be such a shame if they were punished with a points deduction.

“Surely the people running the club should be hit in the pocket and the players should not be punished for their loyalty.”

The issue of Scots playing for Team GB at the Olympics continues to cause controversy.

Ian Cameron, Scotstoun, Glasgow
, said: “The SFA are guilty of double standards over Team GB. They won’t let their players play but will gladly take the money for hosting games at Hampden Park.”

And we’ll finish with two callers who were mesmerised by Lionel Messi in El Clasico.

Alan Lough, Dunbar
, said: “Despite being kicked all over the place by Real Madrid, Barcelona’s Messi always got up and on with the game. That’s why he is the best player in the world.”

Jimmy McGuire, Northampton
, said: “Messi was kicked by everyone but always got up and didn’t roll about like others.

“I am 68 and you have to go back to the old days to see someone like that. Pele was great but Messi must be the best ever.”